Surgical system and method of use of the same

Abstract

A surgical system configured for treating tissue is provided. The surgical system includes a laser source and a laser scalpel. The laser scalpel is adapted to couple to the laser source and is operable in two modes of operation, a first mode of operation to analyze tissue of interest and a second mode of operation to treat tissue of interest. The laser scalpel includes a housing having first and second fiber optic cables extending therethrough. Each of the first and second fiber optic cables operable under the first mode of operation to collect information pertaining to at least one optical property of tissue of interest and at least one of the first and second fiber optic cables also operable under the second mode of operation to treat the tissue of interest.

Claims

1. A surgical system for treating tissue, comprising: a laser source; a laser scalpel adapted to couple to the laser source and operable in a first mode of operation to analyze tissue and a second mode of operation to treat the tissue, the laser scalpel including a housing, the housing defining a longitudinal axis and including: a first pair of opposing planar surfaces defining a length of the housing; a second pair of opposing planar surfaces separating the first pair of opposing planar surfaces, the second pair of opposing planar surfaces defining a thickness of the housing; a switch in communication with the laser source and extending from one of the first pair of opposing planar surfaces, the switch configured to be pressed relative to the housing to selectively place the laser scalpel in one of the first or second mode of operation; a planar first distal face; a planar second distal face configured to contact the tissue; and a chamfered third distal face extending proximally from a first linear edge of the first distal planar face to a distal end of one of the first pair of opposing planar surfaces, the second distal face extending proximally from a second linear edge of the first distal face to a distal end of the other of the first pair of opposing planar surfaces and disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the housing, each of the first, second, and third distal faces disposed between the first pair of opposing planar surfaces; and first and second fiber optic cables extending through the housing to the planar second distal face and each of the first and second fiber optic cables including a distal tip bulged from the planar second distal face to create a rounded projection extending from the planar second distal face, each of the first and second fiber optic cables operable in the first mode of operation to collect information pertaining to at least one optical property of tissue, and at least one of the first or second fiber optic cables also operable in the second mode of operation to treat tissue, the first fiber optic cable configured to receive amplitude and phase information of a resolvable photon density wave generated through tissue by the second fiber optic cable during the first mode of operation, the laser source including a processor configured to: utilize the amplitude information to determine a concentrator of an absorber in the tissue; utilize the phase information to determine a scattering coefficient of the tissue; and control an intensity level and frequency of a laser beam emitted from the laser scalpel during the second mode of operation based on the determined concentrator of the absorber in the tissue and the determined scattering coefficient of the tissue, wherein the first and second fiber optic cables are positioned in vertical registration with respect to one another and spaced-apart from one another at a distance that ranges from about 7 mm to about 10 mm.

2. A surgical system according to claim 1, wherein in the first mode of operation, the second fiber optic cable emits a modulated signal at a frequency capable of producing resolvable photon density waves to propagate through the tissue and the first fiber optic cable receives information pertaining to the photon density waves, and in the second mode of operation the second fiber optic cable is operable to treat the tissue.

3. A surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the first optical fiber includes a diameter that ranges from about 700 microns to about 1 mm and the second optical fiber includes a diameter that ranges from about 200 microns to about 400 microns.

4. A surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the laser scalpel is a carbon dioxide laser scalpel.

5. A surgical system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first or second fiber optic cables are operable to one of ablate or coagulate the tissue when the laser scalpel is in the second mode of operation.

6. A surgical system according to claim 1, further comprising a third fiber optic cable extending through the housing to the planar second distal face of the housing and including a distal tip bulged from the planar second distal face of the housing to create a rounded projection extending from the planar second distal face.

7. A surgical system according to claim 6, wherein the third fiber optic cable is configured to function as one or both of the first and second fiber optic cables and configured receive resolvable amplitude and phase relationships of photon density waves.

8. A surgical system for treating tissue, comprising: a laser source; a laser scalpel adapted to couple to the laser source and operable in a first mode of operation to analyze tissue and a second mode of operation to treat the tissue, the laser scalpel including a housing, the housing defining a longitudinal axis and including: a first pair of opposing planar surfaces defining a length of the housing; a second pair of opposing planar surfaces separating the first pair of opposing planar surfaces, the second pair of opposing planar surfaces defining a thickness of the housing; a push-button switch in communication with the laser source and extending from one of the first pair of opposing planar surfaces, the push-button switch configured to be pressed relative to the housing to selectively place the laser scalpel in one of the first or second mode of operation; a planar first distal face; a planar second distal face configured to contact the tissue; and a chamfered third distal face extending proximally from a first linear edge of the first distal planar face to a distal end of one of the first pair of opposing planar surfaces, the second distal face extending proximally at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis from a second linear edge of the first distal face to a distal end of the other of the first pair of opposing planar surfaces; and first and second fiber optic cables extending through the housing to the planar second distal face, each of the first and second fiber optic cables operable in the first mode of operation to collect information pertaining to at least one optical property of tissue, and at least one of the first or second fiber optic cables also operable in the second mode of operation to treat tissue.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-optimizing laser surgical system including a laser source and laser scalpel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laser scalpel depicted in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(4) Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

(5) As noted above, characteristics of tissue are dynamic and not static and, as a result thereof, it is sometimes difficult to determine an appropriate intensity level of a laser beam needed to effectively treat tissue of interest. In accordance with the instant disclosure, it has been found that utilizing one or more optical properties associated with tissue of interest allows a user to effectively treat tissue of interest irrespective of the patient and/or type of tissue.

(6) Turning now to FIG. 1, a self-optimizing laser surgical system 2 including a laser source 4 and a laser scalpel 6 configured to treat tissue is illustrated. In accordance with the instant disclosure, laser source 4 is operable in two modes of operation, a first mode of operation to analyze tissue of interest and a second mode of operation to treat tissue of interest. To these ends, laser source 4 may include one or more microprocessors 10 that are in operative communication with one or more modules, e.g., a digital signal processing module 12 (DSP 12), of the laser source 4. Processor 10 receives command signals from DSP 12 and regulates one or more parameters associated with a laser beam, e.g., an intensity level of a laser beam, emitted from the laser scalpel 6. DSP 12 may be in operable communication with a detector 11 that may be in the form of a photon multiplier tube, avalanche photo diode, or photodiode. A laser driver 13 may be utilized to modulate the laser to a desired frequency. A read only memory 14 (ROM 14) may store one or more control algorithms configured to determine absorption and scattering properties of tissue based on information collected from the laser scalpel 6 at a tissue treatment site and transmitted to the DSP 12. The DSP 12 and/or the at least one control algorithm may utilize the scattering and absorption properties of the tissue of interest to determine and/or adjust an intensity level of a laser beam emitted from the laser scalpel, frequency of the laser beam emitted from the laser scalpel, duration of the laser pulses of the laser beam emitted from the laser scalpel, type of waveform utilized by the laser scalpel and duty cycle of the laser scalpel.

(7) A driving circuit 16 (FIG. 1) in operable communication with the processor 10 is provided with the laser source 4 and may include one or more light sources (not explicitly shown) configured to generate light at one or more wavelengths. By way of example, the light sources of the driving circuit 16 may be laser diodes (or other suitable device(s)) that emit light with wavelengths of approximately 500 nm to about 2000 nm. By way of example, the light sources of the driving circuit 16 may be laser diodes (or other suitable device(s)) that emit light with wavelengths of approximately 800 nm to about 810 nm or a CO.sub.2 laser at about 1060 nm.

(8) A cable 8 connects the laser source 4 to the laser scalpel 6, and may include one or more fiber optic cables therein (FIGS. 1 and 2). Cable 8 may couple to the laser source 4 and laser scalpel 6 via one or more suitable coupling methods, e.g., via an optical connection 15, such as, for example, a fiber channel connector (FC connector) or a subscriber connector (SC connector) (not explicitly shown coupled to the laser scalpel 6), see FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, cable 8 includes a first fiber optic cable 8a and a second fiber optic cable 8b (FIG. 2). Each of the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b are operable under the first mode of operation to collect information pertaining one or more optical properties of tissue of interest, as described in greater detail below.

(9) Referring to FIG. 2, laser scalpel 6 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the laser scalpel 6 holds the optics fibers that guide and emits one or more suitable lasers, e.g., a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser including a housing 18 having generally rectangular configuration. Other suitable configurations, however, may be utilized for the housing 18. Housing 18 may be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic, surgical steel, etc. Housing 18 includes proximal and distal ends 17 and 19, respectively, and is configured to house the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b therein (FIG. 2).

(10) First fiber optic cable 8a extends through a housing 18 of the laser scalpel 6 and includes a distal tip 3 that is disposed flush with a distal face 20 of the housing 18 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, distal tip 3 may be polished to facilitate positioning the distal tip 3 flush with the distal face 20. In another embodiment, distal tip 3 may be polished and bulged to create a rounded projection that can enhance contact with tissue. In either of the aforementioned embodiments, positioning the first fiber optic cable 8a flush with the distal face 20 facilitates collecting information, e.g., optical information, pertaining to the tissue of interest. First fiber optic cable 8a may include any suitable diameter. In embodiments, the diameter of the first fiber optic cable may range from about 700 microns to about 1 mm.

(11) First fiber optic cable 8a is operable under the first mode of operation to collect information pertaining to one or more optical properties of tissue of interest. In particular, the first fiber optic cable 8a receives information pertaining to photon density waves (PDW). More particularly, the first fiber optic cable 8a receives resolvable amplitude and phase relationships of the PDW. The information pertaining to the PDW is communicated to the DSP 12 for processing and utilized by the control algorithm to calculate one or more optical properties, e.g., scattering and absorption properties, of tissue of interest. In particular, the control algorithm utilizes the phase of the PDW which is sensitive to the scattering coefficient associated with the tissue of interest, and the amplitude of the PDW which is sensitive to the concentrator of the absorber in the tissue of interest to determine an appropriate intensity level and frequency of the laser output for the second mode of operation. In certain embodiments, the first fiber optic cable 8a may also be operable in the second mode of operation.

(12) Continuing with reference to FIG. 2, second fiber optic cable 8b is illustrated. Second fiber optic cable 8b extends through housing 18 and includes a distal tip 5 that is disposed flush with the distal face 20. In some embodiments, distal tip 5 may be polished to facilitate positioning the distal tip 5 flush with the distal face 20. In another embodiment, distal tip 3 may be polished and bulged to create a rounded projection that can enhance contact with tissue. In the illustrated embodiment, second fiber optic cable 8b is positioned in vertical registration with respect to first fiber optic cable 8a. Other positioning configurations, however, of the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b may be utilized. For example, in certain embodiments, the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b may be positioned in horizontal registration with one another. First and second fiber optic cables may be spaced-apart from one another at any suitable distance. The distance that separates the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b from one another affects a penetration depth of the PDW through tissue. The depth of penetration of the PDW is directly proportional to the distance that separates the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b, i.e., the greater the distance, the greater the penetration depth of the PDW through tissue. In one particular embodiment, for example, first and second fiber optic cables 8a and 8b may be spaced-apart from each other at a distance that ranges from about 7 mm to about 10 mm. It has been found that this range is sufficient for analyzing a top layer of tissue of interest.

(13) Second fiber optic cable 8b is operable under the first mode of operation. In particular, second fiber optic cable 8b emits a modulated signal provided by one or more modules or components, e.g., the light source and a modulator (not explicitly shown), of the laser source 4 at a frequency capable of producing distinguishable PDW to propagate through the tissue of interest. It has been found that a modulated signal having a frequency that ranges from about 50 MHz to about 3 GHz is capable of producing distinguishable PDW to propagate through the tissue of interest with meaningful phase and amplitude information.

(14) Unlike first fiber optic cable 8a, however, second fiber optic cable 8b is also operable under the second mode of operation to treat the tissue of interest. To this end, second fiber optic cable 8b includes a diameter that is less than the diameter of the first fiber optic cable to provide a small focal “spot” of concentrated energy at the tissue site. In embodiments, the second fiber optic cable 8b may include a diameter that ranges from about 200 microns to about 400 microns. It has been found that fiber optic cables having diameters close to the 400 micron range can provide laser beams with intensity levels of up to 20 watts, which is suitable to treat tissue of interest in accordance with the instant disclosure.

(15) With reference again to FIG. 2, one or more switching mechanisms 22 may be provided on the laser source 4 and/or laser scalpel 6 and utilized to place the laser scalpel 6 in the first and second modes of operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the switching mechanism 22 is provided on an exterior surface of the housing 18 of the laser scalpel 6. The switching mechanism 22 may be any suitable type of switching mechanism. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the switching mechanism 22 may be an analog push-button switch 24 (FIG. 2). The analog push-button switch 24 is configured to communicate with the microprocessor 10 to place the laser scalpel 6 in the first and second modes of operation.

(16) One or more visual indicators 26 may be provided on the laser scalpel 6 and/or laser source 4 to indicate to a user that the laser scalpel 6 is ready for operation in one of the first and second modes of operation (FIG. 1). For example, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like may be provided on the laser source 4 and configured to illuminate when the laser scalpel 6 is ready to operate in one of the first and second modes of operation. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, one or more speakers 28 (FIG. 1) may be provided on the laser source 4 and/or laser scalpel 6 and configured to provide a beep or tone of suitable frequency when the laser scalpel 6 is ready to operate in the first and second modes of operation.

(17) In certain embodiments, the switching mechanism 22 may be configured to illuminate in one or more colors that indicate a specific mode of operation of the laser scalpel 6, e.g., whether the laser scalpel 6 is in the first or second mode of operation.

(18) In operation of one particular embodiment, a user may position the distal face 20 of the laser scalpel 6 adjacent tissue of interest, e.g., flush against tissue of interest. Thereafter, a user may press the push-button switch 24 to place the laser scalpel 6 in the first mode of operation to initiate an optical property analysis of the tissue of interest, e.g., a top layer of the tissue of interest. In one particular embodiment, the push-button 24 stays illuminated in a first color, e.g., red, during the first mode of operation.

(19) In the first mode of operation, laser source 4 transmits a modulated signal that is emitted from the second fiber optic cable 8b to cause resolvable PDW to propagate through the tissue of interest. Moreover, the first fiber optic cable 8a receives the pertinent information relating to tissue of interest, e.g., resolvable amplitude and phase relationships of the PDW, and communicates this information to the DSP 12 to be implemented by the control algorithm.

(20) Thereafter, a control signal is transmitted from the DSP 12 to the microprocessor 10, which, in turn, sets (or in certain instances adjusts) one or more of the aforementioned parameters associated with the laser scalpel 6, e.g., an intensity level of the laser beam emitted from the laser scalpel 6, to an appropriate level.

(21) Subsequently, one or more of the aforementioned indicators, e.g., visual indicators 26, may be automatically activated (e.g., by the microprocessor) to indicate to a user that the optical analysis of tissue of interest is complete and the laser scalpel 6 is ready to operate in the second mode of operation. A user may then press push-button 24 to begin treatment of tissue of interest. In one particular embodiment, the push-button 24 stays illuminated in a second color, e.g., blue, during the first mode of operation.

(22) The self-optimizing laser surgical system 2 overcomes the drawbacks that are typically associated with conventional laser surgical systems. In particular, the self-optimizing laser surgical system 2 provides a user with an efficient method for treating tissue of interest irrespective of the patient and/or type of tissue. That is, self-optimizing laser surgical system 2 adjusts one or more of the aforementioned characteristics of the laser beam based on the scattering and absorption properties of tissue to treat tissue.

(23) From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, a footswitch (not explicitly shown) may be provided in addition to or instead of the push-button 24 to control the laser scalpel 6.

(24) One or more monitors 30 (FIG. 1) may be provided on the laser source 4 and configured to provide relevant information pertaining to the laser source 4 and/or laser scalpel 6. The relevant information may include power intensity of the laser beam emitted from second fiber optic cable 8b, duration of duty cycle of laser scalpel 6, etc.

(25) In certain embodiments, a third fiber optic cable 8c may be provided and configured to function as one or both of the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b. For example, and in one particular embodiment, during the first mode of operation, the third fiber optic cable 8c may be configured to receive resolvable amplitude and phase relationships of the PDW. Or, during the first mode of operation, the third fiber optic cable 8c may be configured to emit a modulated signal to produce resolvable PDW to propagate through tissue of interest.

(26) In some embodiments, it may prove advantageous for both the first and second fiber optic cables 8a, 8b to treat tissue. For example, and in one particular embodiment, the first fiber optic cable 8a may be configured to treat tissue with a first laser beam having a particular intensity, waveform, duty cycle, etc., and the second fiber optic cable may be configured to treat tissue with a second laser beam having a particular intensity, waveform, duty cycle, etc. that is different from the first laser beam. This embodiment may prove advantageous in the instance where multiple tissue of interest needs to be treated.

(27) In certain embodiments, it may prove advantageous to provide a laser scalpel 6 with a single fiber optic cable, e.g., second fiber optic cable 8b, that is configured to both analyze and treat tissue of interest. In this particular embodiment, the second fiber optic cable 8b, for example, emits a modulated signal into the tissue of interest and detects a phase shifted return signal therefrom that contains the pertinent information relating to the PDW. Thereafter, the second fiber optic cable 8b emits the laser beam to treat tissue of interest. As can be appreciated, one or more modules and/or components, e.g., a DSP 12 having phase delay capabilities, may be added to the laser source 4 to accommodate for this specific configuration of the fiber optic cable 8b.

(28) Additionally, while the laser surgical system 2 has been described as utilizing a laser scalpel 6 that utilizes CO2 gas, other embodiments may include a laser scalpel 6 that utilizes Helium-Neon (HeNe) gas or Argon (Ar) gas. Moreover, other embodiments may include a laser scalpel 6 that utilizes a combination of one or more suitable metals, solid state and gases, such as, for example, Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG), Helium-Silver (HeAg) and Neon-Copper (NeCu).

(29) Further, while laser scalpel 6 has been described as a “gas” type laser, other embodiments may include laser scalpels 6 that are chemical lasers, solid state lasers, photonic lasers, semiconductor lasers, dye lasers, bio lasers, etc.

(30) While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.